After a nationwide search, the Long Beach Symphony Association is pleased to announce that Kelly Ruggirello has been selected as the Association’s new Executive Director, effective March 4, 2013.

Board President John Di Carlo stated, “On behalf of the Association’s Board of Directors I am pleased and excited to welcome Kelly. We look forward to the continued growth and success of the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra under her strong leadership.”

Prior to coming to LBSO, Ruggirello was president & CEO of Pacific Chorale in Orange County. During her tenure, the Chorale erased a deficit and enjoyed a balanced budget for seven consecutive years. Prior to her position with Pacific Chorale, Ruggirello served as Vice President of Development & Public Relations at the Orange County High School of the Arts. A former teacher and arts mentor for the Downey Unified School District, Ruggirello also has held positions with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Pacific Symphony in Orange County, California.

Music Director Enrique Arturo Diemecke is looking forward to their partnership. “As we begin the New Year we go forward with a new passion, a new energy, to bring our music to more people in our greater community. Kelly has a wealth of experience and is a great choice to move the Orchestra forward into this new era,” he said

Ruggirello has been a consultant with local, regional and national choruses, orchestras, and arts schools, and serves as a presenter at state and national conferences. She currently volunteers as President of the Board of Directors for the Association of California Symphony Orchestras and is on the fundraising faculty for Chorus America’s Chorus Management Institute.

Her experience in fundraising, public relations, marketing, operations, and education, makes her the ideal individual to lead Long Beach Symphony Orchestra.

"I feel very fortunate to be joining the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra," says Ruggirello. "As a Long Beach resident, I have long admired the artistic excellence of the Orchestra, the passionately committed Board of Directors and the very loyal audience. I look forward to helping this outstanding organization explore new ventures and establish an even greater presence in Southern California."

Ruggirello has been a Long Beach resident for 25 years, and has two teenagers who attend Long Beach public schools.